WINERIES –GEORGIA · WINERIES –GEORGIA Nr. Name/Type/Contact Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype Website/Facebook Black Sea Coast-Adjara Viticulture and enology

WINERIES –GEORGIA Nr. Name/Type/Contact Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype

Website/Facebook Black Sea Coast-Adjara

Viticulture and enology have been well developed in Adjara since ancient times. The region played a significant role in the creation of vineyards. In the area of only 29,000 km2 more than 80 varieties of local grapes have been registered and over 40 cultural vine species have been created and approved. At present, about 50 indigenous and introduced species are cultivated (http://gobatumi.com/en/feelit/tourism-resorts/wine-tourism/vine-in-ajara). Adjara produces famous wines such as “Kedis Tsolikauri” and “Chkhaveri”, which are very popular among Georgian and foreign consumers. The total area of vineyards in Adjara is 180 ha, including 70% of Tsolikauri, 8% of Chkhaveri, and 22% of other varieties. Keda district, situated in Acharistskali Gorge is considered to be the historical center of winemaking in Adjara. The district is distinguished by beautiful nature and many historical places.

01. “Adjarian Wine House”

“Adjarian Wine House” is located in the village of Adjaristskali, Khelvachauri Municipality, on the main road linking Khelvachauri to Keda, 15 minutes’ drive from Batumi. It’s a small chateau type winery established in 2010. The winery was built on the ruins of a historical winery from 18th century. Among other types of wine, the winery produces “Chkhaveri” – Joseph Stalin’s favorite wine. Production of wine is limited to 8,000 bottles per year. Guests are welcomed by a guide, who first takes them on a tour of the vineyards before inviting them to witness the process of making of wine and to taste various wines. The multifunctional building accommodates a marani (wine cellar), degustation rooms, a restaurant and a wine shop. The degustation room located at the ground floor is designed in oriental style and decorated with traditional Georgian elements. The same floor accommodates wine collection and storage, where wine is stored in oak barrels. Here the visitors can see approximately 200-year old satsnakheli (grape squeezer). The modern style degustation room located on the upper floor can host about 50 visitors. Between these two floors is a restaurant, where one can taste ancient traditional Adjarian dishes together with general Georgian menu in interesting, cozy interior. An open wine cellar with ethnographic details, trout pool and demonstration vineyard are built in the yard. In Acharian Wine House the wine is fermented the European way. Recently, the company started producing the qvevri (clay jar) wine, but it has not been bottled yet. “Adjarian Wine House” makes pink Chkhaveri and Tsolikouri as well as wine made in qvevri. Here you can also enjoy Chacha (alcohol drink) distilled on the spot and buy ceramics and other souvenirs. Available wines: Porto Franco-Chkhaveri, pink, dry; Tsolikauri

Adjaristskali, 6042 Khelvachauri Municipality, Adjara Province, Georgia

“Acharian Wine house 1” Ltd. (+995) 577 21 40 02 (+995) 790 11 55 00 (+995) 593 47 65 69 (+995) 577 21 40 21

[email protected] www.awh.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/adjarianwinehouse.php http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/ http://welcomebatumi.com/index.php?rf=text2&m1=9&m2=41&type=4&tid=139&lang=en&PHPSESSID=9a9f1a31b3ab950e230c8d0a7f158d9e#.VLLiQXum3h4 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/khelvachauri/adjarian-wine-house.html

02. Shervashidze Family Wine House-Marani

Shervashidze Family Wine House is located in the village of Pirveli Maisi (also known as Saghoreti), in Keda Municipality, 35 km away from Batumi and 1.8 km from the central road. A family winery with 1 ha of vineyard with different species of grapes produces traditional Adjarian wines- Chkhaveri, Ojaleshi and Tsolikouri. The cellar is housed on the ground floor of the house built in 1914 in traditional Georgian style and is decorated with ethnographic elements – old fireplace and tasting area. Wine is kept in oak barrels, although the cellar has qvevris. The vineyards cover slopes over a marvelous area in front of the house. Tourists can visit the vineyards and a typical marani (wine cellar) of Adjarian village; participate in grape harvesting; see the special ware used for storing wine: qvevris (clay jars), wooden barrels, botsas (special wine-storing glass ware); as well the traditional grape-processing device – satsnakheli (grape squeezer). At the same time, the visitors can degustate the wine, listen to Georgian folk music, taste Georgian traditional dishes. The cellar can host up to 20 persons. In addition, trekking tours around the nearby area to Saghoreti fortress, Queen Tamar Spring, Tsivasula fortress and Mitsis bridge are offered to tourists year-round. At present the family is not providing overnight stay to guests, but plans to do it in future.

Pirveli Maisi village, Keda Municipality, 6105, Adjara Province, Georgia

Nodar Shervashidze (+995) 593 07 00 88 (+995) 599 15 51 25

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/nodar-shervashidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

03. Lado Shavishvili’s Winary and Guesthouse

Lado Shavishvili’s Family Wine House (Marani) and Guesthouse, is located in one of the most beautiful villages of Adjaristskali valley – Vaio village, 45 km from Batumi and 2 km from the main road. There is a family winery, known for producing local wines, with degustation room which can host 10 visitors simultaneously. The cellar is housed on the ground floor of the house with a large garden and well-groomed vineyards and orchards. The tasting room is in two sections. To the left is a small bar for tasting and purchasing wines. To the right of the tasting area there is a room decorated with Georgian crafts, particularly wine bottles and clay wine drinking vessels. This second room also serves as an area for a traditional Georgian supra. Currently Lado produces 3,000 liters of wine (4,000 bottles). Here you can taste 4 wine varieties: Saperavi, Chkhaveri, Tsolikauri and Aladasturi. The guesthouse has capacity of 15 beds. The guests can participate in harvesting and wine making, as well as have master classes in making ‘Ajarian khachapuri’ provided by the

Vaio village, Keda Municipality, 6102, Adjara Province, Georgia

Lado Shavishvili (+995) 599 78 36 59

[email protected] http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/ladoshavishvili.php http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/lado-shavishili%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html

hostess. The family also has a hazelnut and vegetable gardens, beehives and fruit orchard with various types of fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, apples, pears, persimmons, etc. which make a part of healthy nutrition offered to the guests. The host can organize fishing, hunting and travelling tours.

04. Makho Wine House (Marani)

Makho Wine House is located in the village of Vaio, on the elevated hill, overlooking the picturesque villages of the valley. The visitors can taste wine made in the Gorgiladze family accompanied with delicious, ecological fruits and vegetables and various Adjarian dishes in the cellar decorated with traditional ornaments. The tour includes wine tasting, visiting of the cellar and vineyard, observing the process of wine making, etc. Makho Wine House produces wine from the Tsolikouri, Chkhaveri and Aladasturi varieties of grape. Services: • Wine tasting, • Winepress, • Wine sale, • Accommodation, • Georgian Cuisine, • Georgian Folklore. Languages: Georgian, Russian

Vaio village, Keda Municipality, 610 , Adjara Province, Georgia

Malkhaz Gorgiladze (+995) 591 98 06 58 (+995) 593 35 62 32

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/malkhaz-gorgiladze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

05. Nuri Sirabidze’s Winery and Guesthouse

Nuri Sirabidze’s wine cellar is located in the village of Gegelidzeebi, 700 meters from the main highway and 49 km away from Batumi. The family has 130-year-old wine cellar, a marvelous vineyard on the slope, produces Tsolikouri wine and offers accommodation. The principal advantage of the cellar is marvelous vineyard on the slope, and the way to the cellar, which passes vine gallery, among the lines of Tsolikouri running on Olikhnari (vines trained to grow up trees). The family offers accommodation for guests in three double bedrooms with three shared bathrooms. The family owns a greenhouse and a small trout farm and offers tourists meals prepared from fresh local products. The guests are offered a tour comprising of wine tasting, visiting cellar and vineyard, witnessing process of making of wine and tasting Adjarian dishes, local dairy products, fruits, vegetables and herbs. This is a perfect place for arranging lunches and dinners for guests at the beautiful place of vine gallery, among the lines of Tsolikouri. The family also organizes trekking and tours by car, as well as provides services for meeting guests at Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi airports. Wine variety: Tsolikauri Languages: Georgian, Russian

Gegelidzeebi village, Keda Municipality, 6106, Adjara Province, Georgia

Nuri Sirabidze (+995) 593 51 91 28 (+995) 790 51 31 91 Fridon Sirabidze (son) (+995) 591 98 82 55

http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

Black Sea Coast-Guria

Wine production in Guria is being developed in the following places: Likhauri, Shemokmedi, Bakhvi, Askana, Chokhtauri, Erketi, Bukistsikhe, Sakvavitske, Sachamiaseri, Partskhma, Aketi, Mamati, Atsana (qvevri making), Chochkhati and Shroma (first map). LSP are located in the villages of Bukistsikhe and Sakvavitske (second map). Qvevri production in Guria: Contemporary qvevri are made in the region of Guria, namely in the village of Atsana. Many craftsmen throughout Georgia specialize in the creation of qvevris, each of whom has their own distinct style and technique.

06. “Iberieli” (Zurab

Topuridze) Wine Cellar

“Iberieli” (or Zurab Topuridze’s Wine Cellar) is located in Guria Province, in the village of Sakvavistke near Dablatsikhe. Zurab, the owner and winemaker, has 12 ha of vineyards and produces 3,000 liters of wine (5,000 bottles) which he exports to Japan, France and Italy. The primary focus of Zurab is on the grape variety Chkhaveri. The name “Iberieli” has been selected by Zurab’s family children. It denotes origin of ancient people/ethnic group in Caucasus, who had an experience of winemaking during several thousands of years. The cellar is housed in the redbrick building with a tiled roof that is composed of several parts: the main part contains thirteen qvevris, cellar, stainless steel tanks and a wine shop, whereas the smaller half contains seven small qvevris. Here is a tasting corner as well. Outside of the winery, the area is filled with seating areas and numerous qvevris of all sizes. Chkhaveri vines cover the terraces

Sakvavistke village, Chokhatauri, 4907, Guria Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 58 46 24

[email protected] http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/zurabtopuridze.php https://www.facebook.com/iberieliwinerypage http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/guria/zurab-topuridze%E2%80%9

planted in the yard. There are also 11 other grape varieties in the vineyard. Zurab Topuridze’s wine cellar makes amber-colored and pink Chkhaveri wine, as well as the wine through blending of Chkhaveri and the rare Skhilatubani varieties of grape. Zurab makes the wine from Tsolikouri variety of grape as well. He also produces an intense Chacha with a very high alcohol of over 60 %. Languages: Georgian, Russian, English

9s-wine-cellar.html#programme

07. Village House “Chabela” and Marani

Teimuraz Sharashidze’s family-run wine cellar and guesthouse is located in the village of Bukistsikhe, 6 km away from the town of Chokhatauri. The house has four bedrooms, a large dining-room, balconies, and two shared bathrooms. There is a yard with flowers, fruits, grapes and a vegetable garden. The owner has set up an ethnographic corner depicting the local life with the tone (bread-baking oven), and Marani (wine cellar) in the yard. The wine cellar is built in a traditional-style and decorated with ethnographic elements and various tools. Here is the tasting corner as well. The qvevris are located in an open-air wine cellar. Teimuraz Sharashidze has also grown a splendid Olikhnari vineyard (a vineyard in which the vines are trained to grow up long vertical poles) of Chkhaveri, Jani, Tsolikouri, Skhilatubani and Ojaleshi grapes. Teimuraz Sharashidze makes two types of Chkhaveri wine – white and rose. He also makes honey vodka. Village House “Chabela” is conveniently located near the high mountain resort of Bakhmaro (2050 meters above sea level) and the Black Sea shore resorts. The hostess also owns a cottage at Bakhmaro resort, which is 58 km from their village. Tours with horses in Bakhmaro are available as well.

Bukistsikhe Village, Chokhatauri Municipality, 4901, Guria Region, Georgia

Temur Sharashidze (+995) 491 53 86 96 (+995) 599 53 86 96 Chabuka Sharashidze (+995) 593 33 81 00 Keti Sikharulidze-Sharashenidze (+995) 593 33 13 74

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/guria/teimuraz-sharashidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://www.new.ruraltourism.ge/rural-tourism/index.php?action=accomodation&ID=14&lang=eng

Black Sea Coast-Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti

Winegrowing centers of Samegrelo include the following villages: Chkhoria, Chkaduashi, Rukhi, Kortskheli, Odishi, Kulishkari, Medani, Mukhuri,Letsurtsume, Kirtskhi, Kurzu, Chogha, Taleri, Tsachkhuri, Salkhino, Didi Tchkoni, Akhuti, Gurdzemi, Tamakoni, Potskho, Targameuli, Nakhunavo, Inchkhuri, Martvili, Sergieti, Abedati, Ushapati, Betlemi, Jikha, Bandza, Gejeti, Tskemi and Dzveli Senaki. Major grapes of Samegrelo are Tsolikouri and Ojaleshi.

08. Dadiani Old Cellar

Dadiani Old Cellar is located within Dadiani summer residence in the village of Salkhino in the Samegrelo Province. The House of Dadiani was a Georgian family of nobles, dukes and princes, and a ruling dynasty of the western Georgian province of Samegrelo. A visit to Dadianis’ Wine Cellar provides visitors with an opportunity to see a 17th century renovated chateau and the St. Mary church which were destroyed during Soviet times. Salkhino Palace, also known as the Kvevri Palace, was constructed, on a site originally occupied by a modest royal residence during the reign of Levan V Dadiani (r. 1804-1840). Currently the Salkhino Monastery operates the Dadiani Old Cellar. The vineyards are on the property and consist of 30 hectares of Ojaleshi grapevines. The Ojaleshi grape is very dependent on this area and will not grow elsewhere. The winery has five wood presses, each made from a single tree trunk. The winemaker at Dadiani Wine Cellar is Father Illia. Currently the wine is not sold but as the vineyards mature, Dadiani Old Cellar wines will become available commercially.

Salkhino village, Samegrelo Province, Georgia

Gio Sikharulidze Father Illia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/dadiani.php https://bujiashvilitinatin.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/dadiani-summer-residence-in-salkhino-salkhino-church/ http://dadiani.si.edu/otherpalaces.html

09. Zaza Gagua Wine Cellar

The Nika Parcuanias Marani at Zaza Gagua is located in the town of Tamakoni in the Samegrelo region of Georgia. Nika is specializing in the Ojaleshi grape variety, one of the oldest grape varieties in the region. The Ojaleshi grapes are typically harvested in December when the grapes are at 25 to 26 degrees Brix. Although Ojaleshi ripens late, the wine produced is dry. Currently Nika has small plantings of grapes and plans to add more grapevines of different varieties. The winery/marani building was constructed in 2012. Nika is producing 600 liters (1,500-2,000 bottles) of Ojaleshi wine for his family. He produces wine in carboys but plans to begin using qvevris.

Tamakoni village, Samegrelo Province, Georgia

Nika Parcuanias http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nikaparcuanias.php

Racha-Lechkhumi Racha-Lechkhumi is one of Georgia’s smallest wine regions, wedged between Imreti to the south and the Greater Caucasus mountains to the north. But despite its diminutive size, it remains one of the most important wine regions in the country. The regional capital in both administrative and viticultural terms is Ambroulari, which, from the prespective of viticulture, is followed closely by Tsageri. The white wines are based on the Tetra, Tsitska and Tsolikouri (Bazaleturi), and the reds are based on Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli (Keduretuli), Usakhelauri, Orbeluri Odzhaleshi and Saperavi. One of several microregions in Racha-Lechkhumi, Khvanchakara is particularly famous for its semi-sweet Khvanchakara wines, which are based on Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. These raspberry-scented reds have been produced since the beginning of the 20th c.

10. AleksandreuliLtd.

Aleksandreuli Ltd winery is located in Western Georgia in Bugeuli village, Racha. Built in 2009 the winery uses the latest technology and equipment, and processes 50 tons of grapes a year. The winery focuses on the Aleksandreuli grape variety, but also has several other varieties. Aleksandreuli has its own vineyards (60 ha) which are home to Aleksandreuli, and Mujuretuli. These grapes are the basis for the famous Kvanchkara wine. The wine of Khvanchkara for the first time was produced by the Georgian Prince Kipiani in the 70s of the 19th c. and it was called “Kipiani s wine”. Currently the winery uses 150,000 tons of grapes and produces 150,000 bottles of wine. Wine is exported to Ukraine and Poland.

Bugeuli village, Racha Province, 0400, Georgia

(+995) 32 220 7324 www.aleksandreuli.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/aleksandreuli.php http://www.gotocaucasus.com/Khvanchkhara/Khvanckhara.html

11. Wine Cellar Khvanchkara Premium

Ambrolauri wine cellar “Khvanchkara Premium” is located in Ambrolauri city center. It is equipped with modern facilities for winemaking, filtration and storage. This wine cellar exists since 1934. It has its own vineyards (30 ha) in various rural areas, where Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli and Tsulukidze White are mainly grown. The guests can visit the wine cellar and take part in wine-tasting. The tasting package consists of 3 types of wine.

17, M. Kostava Str., 0400 Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 551 26 7722 [email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/wine-cellar-khvanchkara-premium.html#programme

12. Wine Cellar Khvanchkara

This wine cellar is located in Racha, in the administrative zone of Ambrolauri, on the right bank of the Rioni River, in the basin protected with high ridges. This is the oldest factory in Racha and operates from 1927. The wine is stored in huge barrels in the basement. The wine cellar is very interesting to visit, despite the fact that its tourist infrastructure is not completed yet. The tourists are very fond of the vineyards planted on the slopes and grape seedling nursery produced here. The winery accepts a limited amount of guests – composition of the group should not exceed 20 people. During the grape vintage seasons, the guests can participate in the grape harvest. While visiting the winery, the guests can listen to the brief history of each wine and taste 2 types of wine – Khvanchkara and Aleksandrouli.

Khvanchkara village, 0420 Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 577 41 1210 (+995) 32 214 24 74 (+995) 32 225 35 75

[email protected] http://www.khvanchkara.net/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/wine-cellar-khvanchkara.html

13. Tvaradze’s Wine Cellar

Tvaradze’s family-run traditional wine cellar is located in the village of Chkhuteli, in the mountainous area, at the beginning of Tsageri Pass. It was built in the 1930s by the current owner’s grandfather. Today his descendants – grandfather, son and grandson – are running the family business together. They produce approximately 2 tons of wine: red Ojaleshi and white Tsolikouri. Wine in the wine cellar is mainly stored in oak barrels. Old wooden winepress stands in the wine cellar able to store up to 1 ton of wine. Despite the fact, that the infrastructure of the cellar is still to be completed, it is completely ready for hosting the guests – wine tasting and having dinner. They cook traditional dishes: Khachapuri of Tone, Lobiani, barbeque and others, make their own Sulguni (pickled cheese), Churchkhela (walnut roll) and boil jams. Guests can take part in the above processes. Number of visitors: up to 20.

Chkhuteli village, 5112 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 551 42 1472

[email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/tvaradze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html#programme

14. Gogi Margvelidze’s Wine Cellar

Gogi Margvelidze’s family-run wine cellar is located in the center of the village of Sadmeli. The wine cellar and the house, built by the great-grandfather of the owner, have very interesting ethnographic value. The wine cellar is surrounded by its own vineyards – mostly Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli Tsulukidze Tetra, Mtsvane varieties of grape – over the area of 1 ha. Wines are stored only in Churi in the wine cellar and they are not bottled. Notwithstanding the fact, that the tourist infrastructure is still to be completed, ethnographic elements of the wine cellar and old winepresses provide the sense of a village of previous centuries. Traditional Rachian Tone oven and cuisine is active – bread, Lobiani, Rachuli Khachapuri are baked, traditional Rachuli ham is made. The family has experience of tourist hosting since 1960s. The owner renovated the wine cellar and was added to the wine route in 2011.

Sadmeli village, Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 551 22 16 45

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/gogi-margvelidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html#programme

15. Giorbelidze’s Wine Cellar

Wooden wine cellar of the brothers Giorbelidze is located in the village of Okureshi, the homeland of Usakhelauri variety of grape. Their grandfather built this wine cellar in 1899. Later, their father renovated and added the stone part to it. Since that time, their grandfather and father used to produce Usakhelauri and other wines in qvevri for their family. The brothers took up this business in 2001 and started to sale Usakhelauri variety of grape, as well as production of wine. They have their own vineyards and nurseries. The main grape varieties here are Usakhelauri – 12,800 vines, Ojaleshi – 500 vines, and the rest – Tsolikauri, Dzelshavi, Mtsvane – 800 vines. The wine cellar is included in the tourist wine route. They serve the tourists since 2010. Mostly they host the small groups of 2-15 people. Organization of dinners is available for small groups. Together with wine and Chacha (vodka) guests are offered the local dishes: Khachapuri, chicken and meat dishes, pkhali, vegetable dishes.

Okureshi village, 5108 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 49 78 79 (+995) 595 46 65 00

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/giorbelidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html

16. Elguja’s Wine Cellar

Elguja Bendeliani’s family-run wine cellar was built in the 1950s. The host produces two types of wine, Rkatsiteli and Ojaleshi in glass vessels. Elguja’s wine cellar is a vivid place in Tsageri and is well-known for its unique exhibition “Famous Lechkhumi Inhabitants”. The host runs the wine cellar and makes wine as a hobby. The wine cellar can be considered as a museum-type institution, as a visitor will be able to get familiar with the historical details of Lechkhumi.

28, Kostava Str., 5100 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 38 92 11

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/elgujas-wine-cellar.html

Imereti

The roots of Imereti viniculture tradition can be traced back to the times of the legendary Kolkhida. The region has its own unique technology of wine-producing. Imereti is known for wines such as Gelati (white), Argveti (port), Tsitska (white) and other less known wines. Krakhuna is considered to be the most “Imeretian” wine. Generally, Imereti wines are not as strong as wines in Kakheti and tend to be less sweet. It is difficult to find Imereti wines since they are rarely sold. Qvevri production in Imereti: Today, most qvevri craftsmen work in Imereti. These qvevri are known for their high quality and as such are exported to other regions of Georgia such as Racha, Ksani Gorge and Kartli.

17. Archil Guniava’s Winery

Archil Guniava Wine Cellar is a small Georgian family winery in Kvaliti village, Imereti. The family has its own winery and grows very rare Imeretian vine varieties. Archil has half a hectare of vineyards. There are plantings of the white grapes Krakhuna, Tsitska, Tsolikouri and the black grape Otskhanuri Sapere that uses high trellising. The marani (wine cellar) is located in the yard outside of Archil’s family home where he produces qvevri wines. There are several qvevri of different sizes buried under the dirt floor in the room. Archil Guniava produces two wines: a white wine is a blend of varieties including Tsolikouri, Krakhuna and Tsitska; a black wine using Otskhanuri Sapere grapes is blended with a white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes. Archil Guniava produces about 1,100 bottles of wine and exports to Poland, Japan, and Italy. The visitors are offered to enjoy traditional Imeretian cuisine, taste wine, as well as participate in harvesting and wine production process. Accommodation consists of 3 guest rooms for 4-5 persons.

Kvaliti Village, Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti Province, Georgia

Archil Guniava (+995) 599 53 42 95

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/archilguniava.php

18. Gaioz Sopromadze’s Wine Cellar

Gaioz Sopromadze Wine Cellar is a small family winery located in the town of Baghdati in the Imereti viticulture region. Gaioz is the fourth generation of winemakers in Sopromadze family. There is an onsite vineyard with 1,000 grapevines. The grape varieties include Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri. The tasting area is in a cellar. While small, it offers a quaint and rustic style. Qvevri are buried in the ground outside a building used to make and age wine. Gaioz started bottling wine in 2009. Despite the small production, Gaioz exports wines to Japan, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Wines: Tsolikouri, Chkhaveri and Dzelshavi. When 13planning to visit Gaioz Sopromadze’s Wine Cellar be sure to contact Gaioz in advance.

8 Rustaveli St. III Baghdati, Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 78 61 31 http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/gaiozsopromadze.php

19. Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar

Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar is a small family winery located near the city of Kutaisi. Ramaz Nikoladze follows the tradition of organic wine-making and only uses external preparations to treat his vines. Currently Ramaz has 0.3 hectares of grapes that include Tsitska and Tsolikouri. These vines are between 27 and over 100 years old. During the winemaking process Ramaz puts the juice into one qvevri for five to six months to ferment and age, then racks into a second qvevri for up to a year for further aging. Currently Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar exports wines to Japan, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. When planning to visit Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar be sure to call for an appointment and directions.

Nakhshirghele village (near Terjola), Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 593 94 48 41

[email protected] http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/ramaznikoladze.php http://en.vinoge.com/tasting-notes/tsitska-nikoladze-family%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar-2011 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctgsmUJXlSM

20. Simon Chkhedze's Wine Cellar

Simon Chkhedze has a small family vineyard and winery in the village of Meore, Imereti. The 3.5 hectares of vineyards close to Simon’s marani are 30 years old. Grape varieties include Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna and Otskhanuri Sapere. Simon discovered the Otskhanuri Sapere vine, native to Imereti, a few years ago and decided to plant it. He believes that the Otskhanuri Sapere variety is unique and relatively unknown but produces a wonderful wine. The marani has ten qvevris. The red wines are aged in qvevri for one year. Simon is primarily interested in producing straight varietal wines. He expects to bottle his first wines from the 2014 vintage.

Meore village, Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 79 13 03 http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/simonchkhedze.php

21. Zaliko Bodjadze - Qvevri Maker

Near the village of Makatubani village in Imereti is the shop of qvevri maker Zaliko Bodjadze. His shop is right next to the road and several qvevris, as well as a number of terra cotta tones rest on their sides. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a qvevri: adding a coil to the qvevri, air drying, firing, cleaning, adding melted beeswax to seal the interior of the qvevri and finally, adding a layer of lime cement to the outside of the qvevri. His son also makes qvevris and will continue with the family business.

Makatubani village, imereti Province, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/zalikobodjadze.php

22. Vartsikhe Farm House and Winery

The guesthouse offers bio products and family wine to tourists. The owner of the guesthouse is a professional guide offering various tours around Imereti region and entire Georgia. The house consists of 4 bedrooms with shared bathroom. The owner of the house is doing farming and has his own winery.

Vartsikhe Village, Baghdati Municipality, Imereti Province, Georgia

Dato Pakhuridze (+995) 591 23 11 18

Shida Kartli

23. Gogi Dvalishvili’s Wine

Cellar

Gogi Dvalishvili’s wine cellar is located in the village of Khidistavi, on Gori-Uplistsikhe road. Gogi Dvalishvili grows approximately 3 tons of various varieties of grapes in his vineyard: Chinuri, Tavkveri, Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Rkatsiteli and Ghrubela. Besides, he produces small amount of wine both in qvevri and according to classical method – in total 1000-1500 bottles. The guests can enjoy the charming family atmosphere. They can visit the vineyards and participate in the grape harvest, pressing, grappa distillation and making of Churchkhela (walnut roll). Grappa and honey vodka are distilled in the wine cellar. The family also have bees, make honey and bee milk. The wine cellar can welcome small number of guests - 6 people group is the most optimum. Besides wine-tasting, the visitors are offered some snacks as well. Price for tasting of five varieties of wine is 15 GEL.

Khidistavi village, 1432 Gori, Shida Kartli, Georgia

(+995) 599 73 75 63 [email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/shida-qartli/gogi-dvalishvili-wine-cellar.html#programme

24. Mitra’s Wine Cellar

Grandfather of current owner of the wine cellar - Mitra built the house and family-run wine cellar. In 1952, he bought the old stone winepress, with capacity of 6 tons. The wine cellar owns its own vineyard and 3 varieties of wine are produced from grapes grown here: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Tavkveri and Pinot Noir. 600-700 bottles are being produced per year. Upon entering, the guests are welcomed with traditional rural, quiet, pleasant atmosphere and feeling of antiquity. The wine cellar is included in the tourist wine route. Its infrastructure is not completed yet, but is suitable for hosting of the tourists. The groups of max. 15-20 tourists are welcomed for wine tasting. The tourists may witness the processes of grape pressing, bread baking, Churchkhela making; 3 varieties of wine are offered in the wine-tasting process, together with snack, that costs 12-15 GEL.

Ateni village, 1402 Gori, Shida Kartli, Georgia

(+995) 595 65 20 02

[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/MitrasMaranigvinoAtenuri?fref=photo http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/shida-qartli/mitras-wine-cellar.html#programme

Mtskheta-Mtianeti

23. Château Mukhrani

“Château Mukhrani” is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies a palace that once was a wine estate built in 1875 by Prince Ivane Mukhran-Batoni. Through the 20th century, the property deteriorated and was abandoned. In 2002 a small group made the decision to invest in and restore the castle and plant the vineyards. Of the original vineyards planted by Prince Ivane, none were left. In 2002 and 2003, 92 hectares of vineyards were planted. Now they have 87 hectares in production with five hectares being replanted. Grape varieties include Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Château Mukhrani” offers the diverse wine tours to the guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of Mukhran-Batoni and modern winery. Nowadays the cellars of Mukhrani Palace are completely renovated with a large qvevri aging room below the ground. Basic sightseeing of the palace is its cellars, with main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. “Château Mukhrani” produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha (Georgian vodka).

Mukhrani village, 3309 Mtskheta, Georgia

Jacques Fleury, Director (+995) 595 99 13 14 / 16

[email protected] [email protected] www.chateaumukhrani.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta/chateau-mukhrani.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/chateaumukhrani.php http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/chateau-mukhrani

24. Lago’s Wine

Iago Bitarishvili’s wine cellar is located in the village of Chardakhi, Mtskheta. It is a small boutique winery producing qvevri wines using grapes from Iago’s organic vineyards. Iago follows in the tradition of generations of family winemakers. Some of his qvevris are 300 years old. He has two hectares of certified organic vineyards planted with Chinuri variety of grape. Lago’s Wine became a commercial winery in 2003 and the first winery in Georgia to receive a bio-certificate for the vineyard and winemaking. Iago produces traditional qvevri wine from the Chinuri left to ferment for over six months. Currently he produces 2,500 bottles and exports his wines to Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. He also produces Chacha. The wine cellar consists of two parts - an upper and a lower wine cellar. It is built in the traditional style containing qvevri, a stone winepress, a place for storing of wine, tasting room, a pergola for reception of the guests decorated with ethnographic details, a traditional bread oven (Tone), a Chacha distillery, etc. Besides wine tasting, the cellar’s guests can take part in the grape harvest and in preparing and tasting traditional Georgian dishes.

Chardakhi village, 3318 Mtskheta, Georgia

(+995) 593 35 24 26

[email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta/.-iago%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/iagos.php

25. George Barisashvili Wine Cellar

A small boutique winery in the town of Mtskheta, located only a five-minute walk from the Cathedral, offers an intimate wine tasting experience of a qvevri-made wine. George Barisashvili, the owner, became interested in wine because his family, including his grandparents, made wine. Eventually he studied oenology and now is a consultant for other wineries. George began making wine with a friend and now makes wine on his own. Currently he produces 1,000 bottles of wine, but does not sell it. George has different sizes of qvevri and in has a plan to purchase a large qvevri. The tasting area is in a small room filled with museum-like artifacts. Experience tasting wine in a ceramic bowl called “tasi” rather than a wine glass. George Barisashvili Wine Cellar produces Aladasturi, an organic red wine made in qvevri with natural yeasts. George also produces Chacha, a grappa-like drink made from the grape skins, stems and seeds left after making wine. George is very knowledgeable about qvevri, including making qvevri and wine production in them. He wrote “Making Wine in Qvevri”. The book is translated in English, German and French.

Mtskheta, Kartli, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/georgebarisashvili.php Book “Making Wine in Qvevri”: https://www.scribd.com/doc/116461898/Making-Wine-in-Qvevri

Kvemo Kartli

26. Wine Cellar of Shavnabada Monastery

High atop Mount Shavnabada, not far from the city of Tbilisi, monks make traditional Georgian wine in qvevri following centuries old ways. The Shavnabada monastery was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. Wine cellar of Shavnabada Monastery has been functioning since 1998. Here the monks restored the centuries-old wine cellar, made traditional wine and aged Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane and Saperavi in qvevri. The wine cellar at Shavnabada Monastery of Saint George produces about 150,000 bottles of wine. Presently it exports to the Ukraine and Italy. Some of Europe’s royal families as well as the Patriarch of Georgia receive a bottle of the monastery’s wine as a gift. The monastery also makes two types of Chacha, one is stored in oak barrels for several years while the other is stored in qvevri for several years. The wine cellar is full of religious and ethnographic items: jugs, Chinchila (Georgian pots), bowls and other traditional wine vessels. They keep the samples of wines from each vintage for wine collection. Marvelous view is spread from the monastery. Cuisine composes only monastic meal. During tasting, the visitors can taste wine and grappa vodka of two kinds.

Teleti village, 1313 Gardabani, Kvemo Kartli Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 45 57 65 (+995) 597 45 57 65

[email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/qvemo-qartli/wine-cellar-of-shavnabada-monastery.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/shavnabadamonastery.php

27. Dasabami

“Dasabami” is the family-run wine cellar. The owner lives in Tbilisi, however spends most of his time in the wine cellar. He grows the vineyard on one hectare. His family members are also involved in the production. There are 12 qvevris in the wine cellar. Wines of various harvests are kept in the wine cellar. Many kinds of jams are produced and preserved in the cellar as well. “Dasabami” offers wine tasting to tour participants. Dinners are also available in case of advance order.

Tamarisi village, 3007 Marneuli, Georgia

(+995) 598 16 41 28

[email protected] http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/qvemo-qartli/dasabami.html#programme

Kakheti

The easternmost province of Kakheti is the biggest (65% of the total area of cultivated vines) and most important (80% of the production) Georgian wine region. Consisting of a wide and fertile valley, Kakheti is pressed up against the white-topped Caucasus to the north and the Azerbaijan wetlands to the south. The region is well known for its Kakhetian traditional wines (qvevri wines) as for its more ‘modern’ white and red wines. It counts not less than 14 (out of 17) controlled origin appellations, but produces also lots of monovarietal regional wines of good quality. The average altitude of the vineyards is between 250 and 800 m above sea level, but mostly between 400 and 600 m. History of Kakheti winegrowing takes a start from 4th millennium BC. Grape leftovers, discovered by the archeologists, date back to the mentioned period and they are the oldest around the globe, which proves that Georgia is a homeland of wine. Kakheti wine region consist of four micro zones: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Akhasheni and Kindzmarauli. Main grape varieties include: Rkatsiteli – aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes; Kakhuri Mtsvane (Kakhetian Green) – aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes that can be mainly found in Sagarejo District; Khikhvi – Georgian ancient aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes that can be mainly found in Gurjaani District; Qisi – Georgian aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes which is an intermediate breed between Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane; Saperavi – Kakhetian aboriginal vine breed of red wine

grapes and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Touring this region for wine tasting is becoming more popular, and there are many different wineries you can visit and taste variety of wines. More Information about Kakheti’s wineries can be fin on the following links: http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/faceted/regions/ge-ka/specialization/wine_cellar?query=&pageNumber=1 http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=14 http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=15 Qvevri type Kakhetian traditional wine making: The use of qvevri to produce wine is maybe one of the most archaic vinification techniques. The main distinctive feature of Kakhetian winemaking type is that the fermentation of grape must occur together with the stems and skins and to give the wine the extract quality, specific fruit aroma, harmonious taste and attractive tea-coloring. During the preparation of Kakhetian wine, pomace and stems together are placed into a qvevri for a slow fermentation. During this time, the pomace is stirred several times a day. At the end of fermentation, qvevris are filled and the product is sealed in hermetically closed qvevris for several months. After self-clarification wine is taken from pomace. A new technology of Kakhetian winemaking now crushes skins and stems into small pieces beforehand and undergoes fermentation at 18-22 degrees for four to five hours. Later the fermentation takes place. Preliminarily fermented wine is softer, more aromatic, colored and ripe. Qvevri production in Kakheti: Qvevris are now made in the village of Vardisubani where the craft has an ancient history. Kakheti is known for making huge qvevri, and some families own qvevri with a capacity of between 4-5 and 7-8 tons.

28. Alaverdy Monastery Wine Cellar

Since the 11th c. the Royal Monastery of Alaverdi represents a sacred place for the Kings of Kakheti - Hereti area of Georgia, as well the dwelling place of many Georgian saints and monks. Situated in the heart of the world's oldest wine region, the monastery and its wine cellar has become one of the core places of qvevri type Kakhetian traditional wine making. Alaverdi Royal Monastery is historically known by its qvevris and outstanding cellar built by the King Kvirike in the 11th century. Since 2006 archeological studies of this ancient cellar has taken place, which revealed up to 50 qvevris with 60 tons of wine capacity. Today, monastery Wine “since 1011” is a millennium brand of Alaverdi Monastery Cellar made by the Alaverdi Monastery congregate. The wine is produced by endemic variety of Kakhetian vine in unique clay vessel – qvevri. The monastery produces 6 wine brands: Rose Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Kisi and Khikhvi. Alaverdi Monastery Wine Cellar offers its guests medium and premium wine tours which start from the end of March and mid-April (when the wine storing process from qvevri into qvevri is completed) respectively. Guests can visit various cellar divisions: historical part of the cellar dated back to the 8th-10th centuries which was revealed by archeological excavations, ethnographical part, section of alcohols, souvenir shop, open air tasting hall. The monastery is also the focus of the annual religious and folk celebration Alaverdoba, with its roots in a harvest festival.

Alaveri, Akhmeta, Kakheti Province, Georgia Wine Cellar working hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – (11:00 - 18:00); Saturday – (11:00 -16:00); Sunday – (14:00 - 19:00).

The Wine Tour “Alaverdi” Wine Tours Manager - Ketevan Khizanishvili (+995) 599 155 002 (+995) 599 551 133 444

[email protected] [email protected] http://www.since1011.com/en/ http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/alaverdi.php Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Xqpudl4Fk

29. Badagoni Wine Factory

Badagoni Wine Company, previously known as the Knight of Winemaking, is one of Georgia’s largest wineries. It was named after Badagoni, a pagan Georgian god of wine and winemaking. The company was founded in the Kakhetian village of Zemo Khodasheni (Akhmeta district) in 2002 and by 2006 opened one of the most technologically advanced wineries in the country. Currently Badagoni owns approx. 400 hectares of vineyards of selected local grape varieties in the districts of Khvareli, Mukuzani, Akhasheni, Akura and Ojaleshi. The vineyards include white varieties such as Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli and red varieties including Aleksandrouli, Mujurentuli and Saperavi. Badagoni Wine Company produces both qvevri and European-style wines. Its products include such brands as Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Gurjaani, Saperavi, Akhasheni and more. In addition, the company makes Kakhetian Noble — a special wine made in cooperation with Donato Lanati, a world-renowned Italian enologist. Today, Badagoni produces 4,000,000 bottles of wine per year and exports to Poland, Ukraine, Italy, China and Russia.

Village Zemo Khodasheni, 0910, Akhmeta District, Kakheti Province, Georgia Head-office: 4, Freedom Square, 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia

(+995) 32 293 62 43 (+995) 599 55 24 03

[email protected] www.badagoni.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/badagoni.php

30. Twins Wine Cellar with Qvevri Museum

Twins Wine Cellar with Qvevri Museum is located in Napareuli village, Telavi municipality. The winery is named after the twin brothers Gia and Gela Gamtkitsulashvili who own the winery. Twins Wine Cellar was founded in 1994 and was the first modern Georgian winery to bottle a qvevri wine. The cellar has 20 hectares of vineyard with a concentration of Rkatsiteli. Current production is 300,000 bottles plus some bulk wines. Twins Wine Cellar has 107 qvevris, most of which have 3.5 – 4.5 tones capacity. Twins Wines are not processed chemically after natural filtration that makes Twins Wine an ecologically pure product. At "Twins old Callar" you can find Museum of Wines and Qvevri, the largest statue of Qvevri in whole Georgia, observe process of wine fermentation through open qvevris and get real impression how grape transforms into wine. Qvevri Museum opened in 2014, is the first museum in the world dedicated to the ancient craft of qvevri making that is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The museum shows all phases of qvevri making including clay preparation, qvevri creating and washing of different size qvevris. There are several Illustrated boards which show how the process of fermentation is going in qvevri and other vessels. Twins Wine Cellar welcomes large groups and provides many activities for visitors. Depending on the time of year, visitors can choose to participate in working in the vineyard including grape harvesting, working in winery or pressing the grapes in 18th century Satsnakheli (ancient facility for pressing gapes). Other activities include: touring the winery, making Chacha, attending a Supra, baking Shoti bread in a traditional Georgian clay tone, making khinkali, tatara and churchkhela (candy made of grape must, nuts and flour), wine degustation and enjoying the Kakhetian lunch and dinner. On a top of the cellar there is a hotel with 12 family rooms (8 standard rooms with 2 and 3 beds and 4 double bed lux rooms). Hotel interior combines old traditional Georgian and modern styles, which makes cozy atmosphere. Rooms have beautiful views on vineyards and Caucasus mountains. In addition to the winery, vineyards, museum and lodging, Twins Wine Cellar has a restaurant that serves authentic Georgian foods.

Napareuli village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Maia

(+995) 595 22 64 04

(+995) 322 42 40 42 (+995) 551 74 74 74 (+995) 599 17 09 29

[email protected]

[email protected]

http://cellar.ge

https://www.facebook.com/TwinsWineCellar

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/twins.php

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/qvevrimuseum.php

http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/twins-wine-cellar

31. Achiko Chotashvili’s Farm

This is a wonderful agro tourism facility. The farm produces ecologically fresh diverse agricultural products. In addition, the farm has its own woodworking workshop and the wine cellar. The farm is producing and selling biodynamic wine. The wine is made in traditional qvevri. The owner of the farm is involved in various social projects and assists the orphanage for the disabled children located nearby the farm. Achiko Chotashvili can organize lodging and accommodation of tourists in the nearby guesthouses.

Gremi Village, Kvareli Municipality, Kakheti Region

Levan Aleksidze (+995) 551 36 36 97 Achiko Chotashvili (+995) 591 633 633

[email protected] http://temi-community.weebly.com/

32. Village House ‘Eniseli’

The house is located in Eniseli village of Kvareli municipality on the northeast edge of the Alazani Valley. The family is doing poultry and hog farming as well as produces Kindzmareauli, Pinot noir red wines and Rkatsiteli white wine. There is a training room in the house and a feast place in the yard where guests can try delicious local food and wine. The family also offers horseback riding and hiking tours around Kvareli. The house is conveniently located in the vicinity of several historical monuments, such as Gremi, a 16th century architectural monument, the royal citadel and the Church of the Archangels and Nekresi, historic town established by king Pharnajom (around 2nd-1st centuries BC). In 4th century AD, king Thrdat built a church in this place. This church became a refuge to one of the Assyrian fathers, Abibus, in the late 6th century. Around this time Nekresi Episcopality was established, which existed until 19th century. Three lakes ‘Kvareli’, ‘Ilia’ and ‘Lopota’ are nearby the house where the various attractions are available for tourists.

Eniseli Village, Kvareli Municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Irina Turashvili (+995) 577 95 50 56 (+995) 591 70 08 94 (+995) 599 45 22 41

[email protected] http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=15&triple=160

33. Farmhouse and Wine Cellar "Tsinandlis Edemi"

The farmhouse with wine cellar is located in the village of Tsinandali, Kakheti province, 10 km from the town of Telavi. There are four hectares of vineyards, strawberry and peach plantations, a well-kept yard, a pergola with different varieties of grapes, a tone (bread-baking oven) and a “Marani” (wine cellar), as well as a well-equipped wine-tasting room with a fireplace. The family also distills chacha, a brew made from grape skins and other remains of the fermentation process. The farm house offers two double rooms with a shared bathroom, a kitchen, and an Internet-room. Visitors can visit the vineyards, learn about traditional wine making and taste domestic wines.

Tsinandali Village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Vazha Nikolaishvili (+995) 555 99 31 32 Niko and Shorena Nikolaishvili (+995) 599 26 02 15

http://tsinandlisedemi.ucoz.com/ http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/05/29/travel/20110529journeys-georgia.html?ref=travel&_r=0

34. “Chateau Mere” -Winiveria (hotel and wine cellar)

George Piradashivili established Winiveria in 2005. Both European-style wines and traditional Kakheti wines are made in the winery and marani (wine cellar). Grapes for the wines are sourced from local growers' vineyards with vines between 20 and 25 years old. Winiveria produces 200,000 bottles of wine. The winery sells half of the wine in Georgia and exports the other half to the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Ukraine and the Baltic countries. “Chateau Mere” hotel and wine cellar opened in September 2011 in Vardisubani village, near Telavi. Chateau Mere is a 1,500 m2 stone castle with four pointed towers and wood paneled balconies, which occupies 15,000 m2 of land. The complex comprises a winery, a hotel, a restaurant, a big conference hall, a gift shop, an outside swimming pool and a horse stable. Chateau Mere’s 15 spacious rooms – two suites on rooftop, twelve standard rooms and a family suite - with panoramic view of gorgeous Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley feature antique furniture and offer modern comforts including flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The Mere Restaurant serves Georgian traditional cuisine made from organic food from local produce. A wide range of activities include: picking and crushing grapes, learning about wine and cheese making, baking bread in a tone, making churchkhelas (a string of walnuts dipped into a boiled down grape juice), riding horses, hiking, shopping for local produce, products and hand-crafted gifts. Chateau Mere has the best location for hiking to Shuamta Old and New Monasteries and Mountain Tsivi and for horseback riding tours to the 8th century monastery Shios Marani and the 6th century monastery Ikalto Academy. Also, Chateau Mere is located close to many wineries, and makes the perfect base for wine travelers who want to explore the region. Chateau Mere arranges tastings of the Winiveria fine dry red and white wines from Georgian endemic grape varieties such as Kisi (awarded with the Gold Medal at the 3rd Georgian National Wine Contest in 2010), Khikhvi, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi. Winiveria wines made according to ancient Kakhetian wine-making technology are unfiltered to keep and bring the best properties of Georgian wines. Winiveria wines are made in clay jars (qvevri) and preserved in them for fermentation and maturation. The aging process continues in oak barrels or in bottles.

15 Vardisubani, Telavi Region, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 99 03 99 (+995) 599 25 08 10

[email protected] [email protected] http://mere.ge/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/telavi/chateau-mere.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/winiveria.php

35. Schuchmann Wines Chateau

Schuchmann winery, located in Kisiskhevi Village of Kakheti region, is owned by Burkhard Schuchmann who resides in Germany. The winery produces qvevri and European–style wines. The cellar has two rooms with several qvevris buried under a stone floor. Schuchmann winery has 120 hectares of vineyards and bottles 400,000 bottles of wine. Of these 150,000 bottles are qvevri-made wines. At Schuchmann, qvevri wines spend six months in qvevri and then six to twelve months in French oak barrels. The bulk of the wines made at Schuchmann winery are European-style. These wines are made in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The complex includes an elegant design hotel which has its own vineyard and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountain Range. Guests can enjoy free wine tours and wine tasting in the hotel's winery, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms at the Schuchmann Wines Hotel are furnished in a simple contemporary style offering wooden floors and flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a fireplace or balcony. The hotel restaurant features Georgian cuisine and a tasting room where guests can sample local wines. A buffet breakfast is provided and room service is also available. A variety of outdoor activities are possible, including cycling, fishing and horseback riding. The hotel offers bike rental facilities and a terrace where guests can relax after exploring the Georgian countryside. Schuchmann Wines Georgia is 5 km away from Telavi city center.

Kisiskhevi Village, 2200 Telavi Municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Ilia Datunashvili, Hotel and Restaurant Manager (+995) 790 55 70 45 (+995) 577 50 80 05 Fax: (+995) 790 55 70 45

[email protected] http://www.schuchmann-wines.com/en/georgian-wine-tour/localities.html http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1596952-d2281372-Reviews-Schuchmann_Wines_Chateau-Telavi_Kakheti_Region.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/schuchmann.php

36. Shumi

Just a minute drive from historic Tsinandali is the wine company, Shumi (WCS). It stands next to the house-museum of Aleksandre Chavchavadze, about 30 meters from the main road. The Shumi winery was founded in 2001. It was one of the first Georgian wineries to invite tourists and travelers to visit. The word Shumi in the company’s name, meaning genuine, pure, undiluted wine, comes from ancient Georgian. The gryphon, which became WCS’s symbol, is believed to have brought the very first bunch of grape to the earth. The territory of the factory is a former part of the National Park and the Museum belonging to the famous Georgian poet and public leader of the 19th century, founder of the first winery in Georgia, Prince Alexandre Chavchavadze. The company owns Vazioni museum which houses a fine collection of wine related exhibits, an ethnography department and a wine-tasting area. The museum collection already contains 294 varieties of vine collected by Shumi employees in different areas of Georgia, as well as 92

2217, Tsinandali village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 32 238 11 37 (+995) 599 55 01 48 (+995) 598 98 51 30

[email protected] [email protected] www.shumi.ge http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/shumi http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/shumi.php http://www.geofit-travel.com/en/index.

varieties of foreign vines. Among all these different Georgian vines, only 15 are used for commercial purposes today. The Museum also aims to find rare species of vine with unique qualities which could enrich Georgian wine-making. The exhibition hall exhibits ancient wine-making accessories found in Georgia, such as grape presses, clay “Qvevri” (pots of great capacity) and various drinking vessels used in ancient Georgia. The Shumi wine museum has the oldest qvevri discovered in Georgia dating back to 1,000 BC and the wine vessels from the 3rd millennium BC. The Museum Vazioni is visited by Georgians from all over the country and by tourists from abroad. The wine-tasting area is very popular among foreign visitors who can taste and purchase Shumi products in a unique environment. Shumi Winery offers tourists several possible activities to take part in when visiting, including participation in grape harvest. 1. Wine degustation: Tour to vine and wine museum, collection grade vineyard and degustation of 4 wine varieties: “Tsinandali” white dry, “Saperavi” red dry, “Mukuzani” red dry and “Kindzmarauli” red semi-sweet. Price per person: 7 EUR 2. Wine degustation with light snacks: Tour to vine and wine museum, collection grade vineyard, degustation of 4 wine varieties (“Tsinandali” white dry, “Saperavi” red dry, “Mukuzani” red dry and “Kindzmarauli” red semi-sweet) and snacks (Georgian bread, Georgian cheese mix, seasonal fruit mix). Price per person: 17 EUR

php?newsid=631 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/telavi/shumi.html

37. Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” -Winery Khareba

Winery Khareba is a large and unique winery offering tours and tastings inside the 7.7 km long, manmade tunnel (“Gvirabi”) lined with wine. The tunnel is located in the village Kvareli, near the bank of Alazani Valley, and is carved in the rock of the Caucasus mountain range. The construction consists of 2 large parallel tunnels linked with 13 small galleries. The tunnel was built in 1950s for defensive reasons. Later the tunnel was converted into storage of Kakheti's finest wines. The storage was officially opened in 1962 for the occasion of the World Wine Congress. The dampness of 70% and the ideal temperature (12-14˚C) for storing and ageing wine stays in the tunnel throughout the year. Such conditions are ideal for wine aging in French oak barrels and for keeping bottled wines for extended periods. The collection holds 25,000 bottles of high quality wine. Winery Khareba has 1,000 hectares of vineyards throughout Georgia and produces three million bottles of wine. The visitors can taste 30

Kvareli, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 593 20 26 26 (+995) 790 12 00 01 (+995) 595 00 83 89

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.winerykhareba.com http://www.gvirabi.ge/en/pages.php?id=2 http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-

varieties of the company’s best wines. 60 meters above the level of tunnels there is a premium class restaurant “Saperavi”, nicely blended with the nature. Here you can see a waterfall, a garden with century-old trees, restaurant’s terrace and a tower which offers splendid views over the Alazani Valley and Kvareli vineyards. From 2011 the winery arrayed the surrounded area with special facilities: a big recreational park with river and old Qvevris, an old water mill, traditional Georgian bakery “Tone”, Chacha destilery, traditional Marani with Satsnakheli (wooden winepress) and Qvevris. Kvareli Tunnel packages 1. Visit tunnels – 1.5 EUR 2. Standard packages: a) Visit tunnels and taste 2 types of European wines (Rkatsiteli white dry and Saperavi red dry) – 7 EUR b) Visit tunnels and taste 2 types of Qvevri wines (Rkatsiteli white dry and Saperavi red dry) – 9 EUR 3. Classic package – 20 EUR: Visit tunnels. Taste 4 types of wines: Rkatsiteli white dry, Krakhuna white dry, Kindzmarauli red semi-sweet, Saperavi red dry. Activities: Making Churchkhela (Georgian sweets made of grape juice and nuts), Chacha (Georgian vodka), baking Georgian bread in Tone. 4. Premium Package – 35 EUR Visit tunnels. Taste 7 types of wines: Saperavi red dry, Rkatsiteli white dry, Krakhuna white dry, Kindzmarauli red semi-sweet, Saperavi Premium red dry, Kvevri Mtsvane white dry, Sparkling wine. Activities: same as above + Mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque).

georgia/kvareli-tunnel http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/khareba.php

38. Remi Kbilashvili, a Qvevri Maker

Remi Kbilashvili’s qvevri shop is located in Vardisubani village, Kakheti. Remi is a fourth generation qvevri maker and his son will continue the tradition. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a qvevri: adding a coil to the qvevri, air drying, firing in a special oven, cleaning, adding melted beeswax to seal the interior of the qvevri and finally, adding a layer of lime cement to the outside of the qvevri which protects the qvevri from earthquakes and tree roots. It takes three months to make a large capacity qvevri, while smaller capacity qvevris need less time to create.

Vardisubani village, Kakheti region, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/remikbilashvili.php Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422411861&x-yt-cl=84924572&v=NN5ziogyxP0

39. Wine cellar and museum “Numisi”

Wine cellar and museum “Numisi” is located in the village of Velistsikhe, approximately 1 km from the main road. “Numisi’’ represents the 16th century wine cellar which was recently restored by the owners. The building itself is a monument of traditional Georgian architecture, built with white river stones and rectangular bricks. From the outside it appears rather small and modest, but has the vast interior space. The arched wine cellar contains an old limestone wine presser (Satsnakheli), 33 different-sized clay pitchers sunk underneath the ground, and a large penthouse. There are a lot of items with ethnographic meaning around the cellar, including a large collection of copper, glass, pottery, and timber vessels (mostly used for wine drinking), as well as the other items like female jewelry, necklaces, rings, 18th century wine copper kitchen utensils, old carpets and furniture. A very unique old French “Marmonies” firm grape presser machine, the old German wine allocator pump and lots of other old artefacts. In the yard of the wine cellar the old wooden grain storage “Begeli”, Kakhetian “Shoti” bread baking clay-made “Tone” and a large pergola with a dining table are placed. Today Nunu Kardenakhishvili is producing 100 tons of Rkatsiteli and 30 tons of Saperavi wines. The vineyard consists of nine hectares of Rkatsiteli and three hectares of Saperavi. Guests can try white and red varieties of dry wines, made in qvevri - Rkatsiteli, Tavkveri Saperavi and others. Besides enjoying wine, guests can have master classes in making traditional Georgian dishes, listen to wonderful songs and look around unique museum. Wine degustation packages include Economy package, Standard package and Premium package. The cellar offers meals and activities without B&B services.

Velistsikhe village, Gurjaani municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Nunu Kardenakhishvili

(+995) 599 56 10 31 (+995) 574 11 22 33

https://www.facebook.com/numisi/info?ref=page_internal

http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/numisi-winery

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nunukardenakhishvili.php

40. “Simonay Zaoty” Wine Cellar “Simonay Zaoty” is run by the Ruadze family residing in the village of Chumlaki. At Simonay’s Zaoty you will find yourself in a traditional Georgian family. Four generations live here and everyone is contributing to the functioning of the cellar or welcoming of the guests. The host Simon Ruadze, dressed in traditional Georgian clothing–Chockha-Akhalukhi, speaks four foreign languages (English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) fluently. Here, the guests will be introduced to the technology of making ancient Georgian national instrument “panduri”, as well as other souvenirs, which will be presented by the eldest of the family. The guests visiting the wine cellar may enjoy genuine rustic ambience and atmosphere characteristic to Kakheti, and learn family’s old traditional wine making technology. Other activities include harvesting grapes, tasting local dishes and fruits (apples, figs, peach, pear, damson, marled, cherry, etc.) directly from the garden, as well

Chumlaki village, Gurjaani municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Simon Ruadze (+995) 599 23 53 55

[email protected]

http://simonruadze.webs.com

https://www.facebook.com/Zaoty/timeline?ref=page_internal

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/simonzoaty.php

http://georgianwine.t

as tasting the wines and "Chacha" (Vodka) produced by Simon. Wine is produced from the Rkatsiteli and Saperavi varieties of grape. Depending on the season the visitors can take part in cooking different Georgian sweets- tatara, churchkhela, and nazukhi. Guests will be able to attend Georgian supra and hear the great toasts from "Tamada" (Toast-master) head of the family. All the family members are good singers. They perform ancient Georgian polyphonic songs and dance national Georgian dances accompanied by a guitar or a panduri. “Simonay Zaoty” provides only meals and activities without B&B services. Accommodation of tourists can be organized in the nearby guesthouses.

ravel/facilities/kakheti/gurjaani/simonai-zaoti.html

http://www.christiancallec.com/blog/2011/06/13/kakheti-core-of-the-georgian-wine-industry-1/

41. Wine House Gurjaani

Wine House “Gurjaani” has been functioning since 2008 and the number of its visitors is increasing every year. A family-run wine cellar with a tasting room stands behind the house. An ethnographic corner has been set up in the yard, complete with Tone (traditional bread oven) and pergolas. There is 2 centuries old press (equipment used for wine squeezing), which is until now used for the purpose of making wine. The wine cellar contains 18 different sizes of qvevri and a small choice of souvenirs. The house also works as a guesthouse and has 4 comfortable rooms with max capacity of 10 to 15 persons. The wine cellar produces white and red wines in qvevri according to traditional methods as well as Chacha. Wine is produced from the Rkatsiteli and Saperavi varieties of grape. Besides tasting the homemade wine kept in a qvevri, the visitors of the Wine House “Gurjaani” can get an impression of how wine is made in a private house, as well as to participate in grape harvest, pressing and in the process of winemaking. Guests can bottle wine which they take out of "kvevri" with their own hands and purchase it in a sealed condition. Also, the guests can attend the brewing of Georgian Vodka ("Zavodoba"), observe the process of bread baking and Churchkhela (traditional Georgian dessert) making, listen to the songs of the folk group, take part in cooking of Georgian dishes and finally taste the dishes made by their own hands. Brief lecture will be provided about masterpieces of Georgian cuisine, such as Khachapuri, Khinkali, Mtsvadi and many other Georgian dishes.

28, Rustaveli Ave., 1500 Gurjaani, Georgia

(+995) 598 51 22 44 (+995) 98 51 22 44 (+995) 90 51 22 44

[email protected] www.winehousegurjaani.ge https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wine-cellar-Wine-House-Gurjaani/140608156004892 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/gurjaani/gurjaani.html#programme

42. Nika's Wine

Nika’s Wine is a small family winery where Nika, an artist and sculptor, produces qvevri wines. The cellar is located in the village of Kardenakhi on the border between Kardenakhi and the neighbouring village of Anaga, several hundred meters to the left of the main road. Nika Bakhia’s background includes teaching in Germany, sculpture, design and architecture. In 2006 Nika purchased a small vineyard of Saperavi and old abandoned wine cellar in Anaga. He has 6 hectares of land; 4 hectares are cultivated with red Saperavi wine and the rest with white wine, mainly Rkatsiteli. Nika sees the artistry in winemaking -he creates his own bottle labels and makes wine differently each year, in part because the grapes differ each year. Nika produces wines using qvevri and natural winemaking techniques. The wine stays in qvevri about two years. After that it is bottled unfiltered with a small dose of sulfur. The wine cellar is traditional with somewhat smaller wine cellar next to it, equipped with wine tasting room. Nika owns another wine cellar in the village of Anaga, where most of his vineyards grow. Nika Bakhia’s wine cellar became famous for its Saperavi from Anaga made in qvevri. Since 2012, however, he produces amber-coloured qvevri wines as well. Nika’s Wines are exported to Japan, Poland and Australia. Besides wines, Nika makes chacha as well. Participating with other qvevri winemakers, Nika created the Association Qvevri Wine, a group that adheres to a code of conduct regarding the growing of grapes and making wine in a qvevri. The group believes in making a natural wine in a qvevri. A natural wine does not have added to it any commercial yeasts, acids, enzymes, tannins, extracts, fining agents, sugar, reverse osmosis, thermal processing or use of sulfur during the fermentation or maceration of the wine.

Kardenakhi village, 1509, Gurjaani municipality, Kekheti Province, Georgia

Nika Bakhia (+995) 595 42 24 76 (+995) 599 26 30 17

[email protected] [email protected] www.nika-wine.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nikaswine.php http://www.rawfair.com/2012/artisans/winery-nika

43. Pheasant Tears

Pheasant Tears winery is located in Sighnaghi town and produces artisanal wines fermented in Qvevri, according to ancient Georgian traditions. The winery was founded in 2007 by John Wurdeman and Gela Patalishvili. The name ‘pheasant’s tears’ is connected to a Georgian tale in which only the very best wines are good enough to make a pheasant cry of joy. Gela’s family has been farming and making wine in Kakheti for over 8 generations, and it is Gela’s sincere desire to preserve the traditional wine making techniques. Pheasant Tears has two wine cellars, a larger cellar in Tibaani and a smaller, 300 year old cellar in Sighnaghi. All of the wines at Pheasant’s Tears are fermented and aged in qvevri. Pheasant’s Tears qvevri vary in age but, some date back to the mid-19th c. Slightly different techniques are used to make each of the wines. Some have moderate skin contact; others have minimal (from 3 weeks to 6 months). The company owns 28 hectares of vineyards in Tibaani and in the Mukhrani Valley in Kartli, and produces 45,000 bottles of wine from the Saperavi, Kisi, Rkatsiteli, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Mtsvane, Chinuri, and Tsolikauri varieties of grape. The wine bar and restaurant founded by John Wurdemann in the town of Sighnaghi is one of the best hearths of Georgian wine. Accommodation is provided in the village of Tibaani. Pheasant’s Tears degustation packages: 1. Introductory Wine Tasting “Pheasant’s Flight” – 15 GEL per person - An introduction to the history and methods of Georgian traditional winemaking featuring 4 qvevri wines 2. Full Wine Tasting “Pheasant’s Journey” – 25 GEL per person - 7 qvevri wines from multiple micro growing regions, chacha, bread, cheese. 3. 35 GEL - 4 varieties of wine and light lunch 4. 50 GEL - traditional Georgian feast with tapping wines. Supra with Zedashe Ensemble, a local group of immense talent and experience performing rare Georgian polyphonic songs and fiery dances. Art Gallery: Pheasant Tears has its own Art Gallery at the Restaurant below John’s painting studio. One room is dedicated to unique Carpets and Kilims from the Caucasus and Central Asia and in the other room is exposition of John’s and his colleague’s paintings. Horses: Pheasant Tears has a small ranch, with horses, to explore nature and neighboring villages. The ranch is 2 km from Sighnaghi, and presents a wonderful way to blend nature and the outdoors into a wine tourism experience.

18, Baratashvili Street, 4200 Sighnaghi, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 355 23 15 56 (+995) 598 72 28 48

[email protected] [email protected] www.pheasantstears.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/pheasantstears.php http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/pheasants-tears# http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/sighnaghi/pheasant%E2%80%99s-tears.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PED0Fr7zGaE